Have We Solved The Steering Vibration On The Freeway?

[Caddue]

Originally Posted by Tenchi

GM, last week, replaced my 2008 CTS with a 2009 CTS. The 2009 has FE3 vs. the 2008 with FE2.

I have not experienced any vibration, so I am quite happy.

So perhaps that's the only way to fix this issue... have the vehicle replaced!

Tenchi,

Was your CTS leased or did you buy it? As you probably know, GM is getting out of leasing so I wonder how this would work for me since my CTS is leased?

[jdavis12]

Originally Posted by Tenchi

GM, last week, replaced my 2008 CTS with a 2009 CTS. The 2009 has FE3 vs. the 2008 with FE2.

I have not experienced any vibration, so I am quite happy.

So perhaps that's the only way to fix this issue... have the vehicle replaced!

Tenchi,
You are one lucky CTS owner as not all of us can obtain cooperation through GM. I have been battling this shimmy issue for a year and Cadillac Customer Service completely blew me off offering no assistance. Please share your secret approach because being the nice guy is not working for me.
I am now pursuing the lemon law - sad that they treat customers differently for the same problem.....as if we don't talk to each other. All I want is what I paid for.....a CTS that drives like a Cadillac should - vibration and shimmy free.

[WNBAMiamiSol]

Tenchi - Congrats!
When they replaced my 2008 CTS with the steering wheel vibration problem, I got one $5000 more expensive and of course, had to pay the difference. In my quest to find a 'replacement' without the vibration, the first CTS I drove had the vibration on the 40 mile test drive! The next black one I drove, I ended up taking as it didn't have the vibration (regardless of cost). I was fed up driving my car 55 miles BACK to the dealership, 6 of the first 8 days I owned the car, due to the steering wheel vibration problem. I cannot imagine dealing with it for a year!

[Tenchi]

My CTS was purchased.

I got the car with the FE3 (Summer Tire Package - I wanted paddle shifters!) instead of the FE2 (All Season). That's the only thing that was different. Basically every option except AWD.

Vibration in the steering wheel was the only issue. Sure I felt it in the shifter and pedals, but that's the nature of the car in my opinion. But when the steering has an issue, that's a bit more important.

As for the secret, follow everything by book.

I had my car at the dealership 8 times for this issue (9th time when GM inspected it). They made four repair attempts. Four attempts on the same issue qualifies the lemon law.

You must follow the rules of the warranty manual or you will have no case. Basically, take it to the dealership, give them repair attempts, open a case with GM direct (Cadillac Customer Service), let GM inspect the car, and if all else fails, in CA, you go to BBB arbitration for a decision. If you do not agree with the decision, you then have the option to pursue the lemon law in court.

My best advice is to keep cool throughout this whole process. If you display attitude or act in an unkind manner, then someone wanting to help you out will not be likely.

In my case, before it went to arbitration, GM called me, said they stand by their customers, realize I've been a good GM customer, and offered to buy my car back. It doesn't hurt that I did trade in a Z06 to get my '08.

My demands were they replace my 2008 with a 2009. Of course I have to pay the difference in options. If I chose a 2008 replacement (the same model year of the car you purchased), there would be no difference in MSRP I would have to pay, only extra options if I chose any. In CA, you also pay a usage fee which is calculated at the number of miles driven before you first reported the problem.

You may of course choose to get your money back, or even a different GM car. I love the CTS, and my goal was just a replacement. I did not want to be difficult with them. I understand sometimes you get unlucky or there is a flaw, so I'm willing to have it rectified, as GM did by replacement my vehicle.

GM did take care of me, and I will continue to buy their products.

Let me know if you have any more questions. :-)

[Tenchi]

BTW, my '08 was purchased in November last year. I opened my case in late June. The car was replaced last Monday (9/22/2008). Aribtration is supposed to be finished within 40 days of opening the case. BTW, that was part of the lemon law process, filing with BBB Auto Line.

They had to find a fully loaded '09 at another dealership (they were scarce in August), and I had to redo the deal because they didn't keep my interest rate.

Basically, you have the choice to refinance the vehicle and roll the extra charges into a new loan, or you can try and do a replacement of collateral which keeps your existing loan (basically replace the VIN on the loan, your new more expensive vehicle) and you pay the extras out of pocket.

I of course wanted to keep my 3.9% for 60 mos. vs. 6.9% in September.

[jdavis12]

Originally Posted by Tenchi

BTW, my '08 was purchased in November last year. I opened my case in late June. The car was replaced last Monday (9/22/2008). Aribtration is supposed to be finished within 40 days of opening the case. BTW, that was part of the lemon law process, filing with BBB Auto Line.

They had to find a fully loaded '09 at another dealership (they were scarce in August), and I had to redo the deal because they didn't keep my interest rate.

Basically, you have the choice to refinance the vehicle and roll the extra charges into a new loan, or you can try and do a replacement of collateral which keeps your existing loan (basically replace the VIN on the loan, your new more expensive vehicle) and you pay the extras out of pocket.

I of course wanted to keep my 3.9% for 60 mos. vs. 6.9% in September.

Thanks for the details Tenchi. I have followed the process as outlined in the owners manual and had my BBB Auto Line Arbitration hearing last week. GM sent their Area Technical guy which was great as I was able to take him (and the Arbitrator) on a test drive to watch my steering wheel dance. GM presented their case as the steering wheel shimmy being, get this.......an "operational characteristic".
The hearing was cordial and the GM representative was a good guy - even took the time to talk with me after the hearing. I just hope the result is favorable as I have had it with service visits, lost time from work, hassle, etc. My car is starting to show the wear of being worked on so much (wheel weight marks, etc.). I just want a new CTS without the shake so I can enjoy the car that I desired and paid for. Like you, I love the car, just can't stand driving it with the current problems.
Good points on the financing and paying the difference for added options. Makes sense.

[The Drakester]

Originally Posted by scoutpilot

Snappy...I have the same issue. I am taking it back to the dealer to have it rebalanced.

The vibration has risen it's head with mine also. Hopefully a good balance job will solve the problem.

[Tenchi]

Originally Posted by jdavis12

Thanks for the details Tenchi. I have followed the process as outlined in the owners manual and had my BBB Auto Line Arbitration hearing last week. GM sent their Area Technical guy which was great as I was able to take him (and the Arbitrator) on a test drive to watch my steering wheel dance. GM presented their case as the steering wheel shimmy being, get this.......an "operational characteristic".
The hearing was cordial and the GM representative was a good guy - even took the time to talk with me after the hearing. I just hope the result is favorable as I have had it with service visits, lost time from work, hassle, etc. My car is starting to show the wear of being worked on so much (wheel weight marks, etc.). I just want a new CTS without the shake so I can enjoy the car that I desired and paid for. Like you, I love the car, just can't stand driving it with the current problems.
Good points on the financing and paying the difference for added options. Makes sense.

If it isn't favorable, accept nothing, and take them to court. You're almost guaranteed to win in court.

[WNBAMiamiSol]

When I went through this back in May, I spoke with a representative in the Florida Attorney General's Office who told me that he hadn't seen anyone who followed the Lemon Law process lose their case. He said they'd had some folks lose who had bought used cars (trying to pass them off as "new") which are not covered by Florida's Lemon Law who lost. He personally had used the Lemon Law on his RV and won!

IF you have to go to court, do it. Take a video of the steering wheel jumping. No one who sees that will find it an "operational characteristic." As my cousin correctly advised me, use phrases like "fearful of an accident" and "apprehensive to get behind the wheel because it is nearly impossible to keep the CTS on the road" which imply that you will sue should you be in an accident. She said statements like this inform the other party that they are aware there IS a serious problem and that they will be held liable and accountable should something happen as a result of their inaction (negligence). She said be firm, to the point and always polite and calm.

[jdavis12]

Here's an update on my pursuit of a "shimmyless" CTS:
The arbitration process through BBB Auto Lline completely let me down. The case manager had incorrect information on the documents but most annoying is the fact that the arbitrator mis-stated several facts in his decision and ultimately denied my claim for replacement against GM! He even threw in his opinion about how difficult it is today to sell a vehicle given the economy and gas prices! That was his response to my statement that the problems have impacted the market value of my vehicle and my ability to sell it! He even admitted to witnessing the problem when he rode with me, acknowledged the 3rd party inspector had also witnessed the problem, yet didn't think it would impact safety or market value???? Come on!
My only hope is now that a GM Technical representative has witnessed the problem that he will make good on his word (per our discussion after the arb hearing) and try 1 more time to resolve the issue. If they don't work with me or the further attempt doesn't do the trick, I have no choice but to file suit under the lemon law. I have talked to several attorneys who are chomping at the bit to take my case but I'm holding off for one last hope as I would rather GM take responsibility and actual care about me as a customer versus pursuing litigation which will absolutely result in losing me (a 15+ year GM customer) for life. What I'm most upset about (besides losing) is the fact that GM has been very inconsistent in how they are addressing this known problem. I don't want to leave GM....I want a CTS and no other vehicle. GM would not be the only one to lose.....I would lose, both financially and in my satisfaction of owning a car that I desire.
Congratulations to those of you who have been successful in having GM replace your vehicle. I have been nothing but the nice guy to GM and the dealer throughout this year I have been dealing with these problems and you see what I get in return....a slap in the face and more frustration. Thanks for listening.....this forum is awesome.

[Mr Snappy]

I may have called victory a little prematurely....
I had taken my 08 CTS with polished wheels back due to a VERY bad vibration/shimmy in the steering wheel, especially at speeds of >55mph. They rebalanced the wheels and it appeared to correct the problem.

Now, a few weeks later, I notice the problem at lower speeds, but only 10% of the severity of the earlier problem.

This leads me to believe that the correct fix IS to re-balance the wheels, but you better get it 100% right or you will still have the issue.

Taking it back to Superior Caddy next week. I will keep you posted.

[Sudz]

Originally Posted by Mr Snappy

I may have called victory a little prematurely....
I had taken my 08 CTS with polished wheels back due to a VERY bad vibration/shimmy in the steering wheel, especially at speeds of >55mph. They rebalanced the wheels and it appeared to correct the problem.

Now, a few weeks later, I notice the problem at lower speeds, but only 10% of the severity of the earlier problem.

This leads me to believe that the correct fix IS to re-balance the wheels, but you better get it 100% right or you will still have the issue.


Taking it back to Superior Caddy next week. I will keep you posted.

I've been through this with my 08 with FE1 and polished 18" wheels. First effort by my dealer was to rebalance the wheels.... which helped but didn't solve the problem. Since the problem wasn't consistently reproducible I wasn't too surprised.

Second trip, the dealer provide a full "road force" balance. He also was able to see the issue first hand so there was no doubt about the problem. The RFB didn't totally solve the problem so he swapped both front wheel/tire assemblies with two previously RFB takeoffs.

I'm holding my breath but after several runs up and down the highway over several days the problem appears to be fixed... Time will tell.

At least at this point I'm satisfied and very pleased with the dealer's efforts. Obviously this isn't a dealer issue and Cadillac doesn't "appear" to be giving any assistance, so hat's off to the the dealers who persist and prevail.

[70eldo]

Let me assure you, that Cadillac does care about those issues and that it is up to the dealer how the issue is taken and processed. If it has anything to do with the quality of the tires or of the suspension/drivetrain, Cadillac is well interested in how to solve that issue in the assembly line or supplier.

I visited the Lasing plant a month ago and I witnessed high envolvement of the employees. The care they put into the cars is like building the cars with heart and soul. They DO care about the end quality and they are hurt personally when some quality is impacted!

When I was there they followed the very first Sport Wagon in the assembly line.
And I saw some test vehicles where they also test issues on.

[Kidder]

Originally Posted by 70eldo

Let me assure you, that Cadillac does care about those issues and that it is up to the dealer how the issue is taken and processed. If it has anything to do with the quality of the tires or of the suspension/drivetrain, Cadillac is well interested in how to solve that issue in the assembly line or supplier.

I visited the Lasing plant a month ago and I witnessed high envolvement of the employees. The care they put into the cars is like building the cars with heart and soul. They DO care about the end quality and they are hurt personally when some quality is impacted!

When I was there they followed the very first Sport Wagon in the assembly line.
And I saw some test vehicles where they also test issues on.

Great post and it's good to know!

[scoutpilot]

Originally Posted by 70eldo

Let me assure you, that Cadillac does care about those issues and that it is up to the dealer how the issue is taken and processed. If it has anything to do with the quality of the tires or of the suspension/drivetrain, Cadillac is well interested in how to solve that issue in the assembly line or supplier.

I visited the Lasing plant a month ago and I witnessed high envolvement of the employees. The care they put into the cars is like building the cars with heart and soul. They DO care about the end quality and they are hurt personally when some quality is impacted!

When I was there they followed the very first Sport Wagon in the assembly line.
And I saw some test vehicles where they also test issues on.

Nice feel-good post, but I'm afraid I can't buy it. My driver's door handle sounds like it has sand in it, the sunroof creaks, my steering wheel vibrates, the inside of my headlights fog up, and I had to have three trim panels replaced for poor fit/finish.

Maybe they made those workers you saw come in on Christmas day to build my car.

Obviously this is one man's experience, but thus far I am underwhelmed by the initial quality of this car. I paid new car price for used car quality so far. Hopefully the next 3000 miles will be better.